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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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MrMystery

Dead on arrival

+2574


Submissions

3
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
July 26, 1987
Anaheim Stadium

In true perverse fashion, the Dead backed Dylan at his lowest point. But the way he sings this - on the wrong chords - has an insane urgency.
5
Cassidy
July 10, 1987
JFK Stadium

Extended, raging peak lead by Jerry and Mickey.
2
Row Jimmy
May 3, 1987
Frost Amphitheatre

Listen to the SBD of this for a great example of Bobby's subtle, beautiful playing
6
Sugaree
April 11, 1987
UIC Pavilion

Jerry blazing, Phil locked in.
2
Beat it on Down The Line
April 2, 1987
The Centrum

Listen to how Jerry begins the second chorus of his solo. Brilliant. Mickey drives this hard too. Heat builds up in the set leading to this.

Comments

Stella Blue
July 26, 1987
Anaheim Stadium

From the word "combine" you can tell this is one of those priceless, emotional late-era Jerry vocals. Listen and vote.
Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues
June 27, 1987
Alpine Valley Music Theatre

Possibly Phil's best vocal performance of all time.
Franklin's Tower
June 20, 1987
Greek Theater

For some reason Phil loses his fucking mind and decides to completely go for it on this version. Wild. Check out the SBD matrix.
Jack Straw
April 6, 1987
Meadowlands Arena

Burning. Emphatic. Mickey, Phil and Jerry lead the charge.
Blues For Allah
March 23, 1975
Kezar Stadium

Should be #1. Can you imagine going to this show and hearing this followed by Johnny B. Goode? The octave pedal on Jerry's guitar sounds insane and frightening. They accomplish in the Stronger Than Dirt jam what they never could regain in the next four years of playing Dancin' in the Streets.